Winch Features: Synthetic Cable & Remote

[OrangeAgain]

I am considering the purchase of a Wallenstein Bush Pilot FX110 for my new Kioti RX7320PC.

Would appreciate comments of the use of the synthetic cable and value of the remote feature (which adds considerably to the price).

Thanks in advance.

PS - I have learned a lot from reading many postings on this forum. I hope in the future I can contribute as well.

 

[motownbrowne]

To me, it boils down to how much you're going to be using the winch. If you're using it daily or even weekly, the remote would be nice, but if you'll only be winching a dozen or two cords a year then it's probably not worth it. I've never used one personally, and I'm sure it'd be handy, but just the winch itself is such an improvement over using chains and the drawbar that I'm happy without a remote control.

 

[Agvg]

Remote control is very handy in difficult terrain, and its safer because you can walk behind the log.
I would go for steel wires, winching in the forrest really gives the wire a beating.

 

[Daves3032E]

I have the FX65. I have the synthetic cable on the WP830 and it has broken a few times. I would always go with a steel cable for a skidding winch.

I have considered getting the remote control kit for the FX65, but it looks like I would lose the ability to manually operate it, and that may not be a big deal. My concern was if someone wanted to borrow it that didn't have hydraulic remotes or if I got another tractor without remotes (I want another 8N - don't judge me). I thought the remote control kit would be nice when I'm winching up/down hill and have to keep going back and forth (sometimes with saw every trip) to clear obstacles. I do my best to set up a pull to avoid such things, but it happens now and then.

 

[OrangeAgain]

Why is the remote feature so expensive? How is a new winch altered to accommodate the remote feature?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

ANOTHER vote for steel, the synthetic just won't take the abuse logging gives, and I hear that the sun breaks it down too...

SR

 

[Deerherd]

+3 on the steel cable. The only caveat would be if you didn't have the physical strength to handle the weight of the steel cable. I have the FX140 and pulling/wrestling the cable all day long can get a little tiring, but for most people in good physical condition it's fine.

I struggled with the remote question myself and could see where it might come in handy in a few situations but not at the price they were asking. Standing next to the tractor and operating the winch gives you a a good idea what is happening to the tractor and log you are winching. I just make sure I have cleared up anything that might get a log hung up prior to winching.

Good luck and be safe!